First things first – where is your UWE email?
Your UWE email is one of the main ways the University will contact you, so make sure you know how to access it before term gets busy.
You can access your UWE email:
- through MYUWE by selecting the envelope icon
- through Microsoft Outlook using your UWE Bristol account
- through the UWE Bristol app, which gives you quick access to email alongside things like Blackboard and your timetable
If you use your phone to regularly check your emails, we recommend downloading the Microsoft Outlook app.
An overflowing inbox, with new emails coming in faster than you can delete the old ones, can feel like a lot. We get it. And we know you don’t want to be inundated with irrelevant information or unnecessary updates. Which is why we’re working hard to ensure that we are only sending you the stuff you need to know about.
However, email is still going to be one of your main communication channels as a student and it’s so important that you’re keeping on top of the different info being sent your way. Life as a uni student means taking on new challenges, and one of those might be having to manage a busy inbox for the first time.
Which emails should I prioritise?
Not every email needs an immediate response, but there are some you really shouldn’t leave sitting unread. Pay particular attention to emails about:
- your course, modules or teaching
- changes to classes or your timetable
- assessments and academic information
- registration or your student record
- student finance
- IT security, passwords or your UWE account
- wellbeing, safety or important University updates
- anything that specifically asks you to complete an action by a deadline
You’ll also receive emails at key stages of the year. These emails will include information about how you’re engaging with your studies, based on the data available to us, including your attendance at teaching sessions, assessment submissions and other study-related activity. We will also provide tailored information about the services we have here at UWE Bristol which are designed to help you succeed, so they’re worth opening rather than saving for “later”.
So, we’re here to help! The tips below will help you embrace good habits and become a pro at managing your emails:
- Get organised – Create folders within your inbox so you can keep related emails together and find important information more easily. You could create folders for individual modules, society updates or correspondence with your landlord. When everything has a place, your inbox will feel much more manageable and less overwhelming.
- Unsubscribe from emails you don’t need – You have the power to stop many unwanted marketing emails from reaching your inbox. If you no longer find a mailing list useful, take a moment to unsubscribe using the link provided. However, don’t unsubscribe from important university updates. These may include essential information about term dates, academic regulations, IT services, health and wellbeing support, and opportunities available to you. If an email looks suspicious, avoid clicking any links and report it as phishing instead.
- Don’t let emails build up – Five unread emails can quickly become 50 if you keep putting them off. When you open an email, try to do one of three things: delete it, take action or file it. Don’t be afraid to delete messages you no longer need, but avoid leaving important emails sitting unread.
- Set some boundaries – Having access to your emails on your phone can help you stay informed while you’re on the go. However, being connected around the clock isn’t always helpful. Try checking your inbox at set times during the day and consider turning off notifications when you’re studying, relaxing or getting ready to sleep.
- Choose the right way to communicate – Not every conversation needs to happen over email. You could keep your university inbox mainly for academic and official messages, and use platforms such as WhatsApp or Teams for personal or social conversations. If a discussion with your lecturer becomes a lengthy email exchange, it may be quicker and easier to arrange a conversation with them instead.
- Make the most of your inbox – Email platforms such as Outlook and Gmail include useful features that can help you stay organised, including folders, categories, filters, flags and automatic rules. Take a little time to explore online guides or tutorials and find the tools that work best for you.
- Ask for help – These tips should make your university inbox easier to manage, but support is available if you get stuck. Visit the UWE Email webpage for further information and guidance.